How long does it take for something eaten that is high in carbs to completely be out of your body. This might be a stupid and obvious question, but I was just curious. Let's say I was eating on plan, possibly on the verge of reaching ketosis, and then decided to have a high carb treat such as a cookie or ice cream (which is actually my story, the ice cream was on Saturday afternoon). Is it true that I can flush that out with lots of water and green tea, and have it out of my system in 12 to 24 hours so I can try to reach ketosis again (if I eat on plan for at least 2 to 4 days?)

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Suzanne
:butterfly

You *will* reach ketosis again by eating on plan. As for how long that takes, I'm not sure. For me, I *plan* my "cheats." For example, I know that on March 11th, I'm going to the Melting Pot with friends. The food is fun and delicious, and I plan to have a little fruit and cake for dessert. I know it's off plan, but it's okay. This is a way of life, and having fun times like my coming dinner is part of life. Ice cream isn't going to ruin your wol forever. You'll get back into ketosis soon enough. One thing I did notice was that carbs make me retain water. I can gain 5 pounds from one cheat, but it seems to be a lot of water, mainly. I sweel up, fingers and all. The important thing is to realize that it's not the end of the world, and to just dust yourself off and go at it again.

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Michelle
209 / 187 / 150




DH's R&R Goal:
209 / 187 / 165
(2 months to go!)

Thanks for the info, Michelle. I do notice that, also, that I do gain about 2 to 3 pounds after a bad food choice, but if I do well for 2 days and drink my water and tea, that I go back down to the original weight. Good to know it 's mostly water and that 2 days of good eating will bring the weight back down.
Thanks again. Hope things are going well with your OWL.

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Suzanne
:butterfly

it's different for everyone, but from what i've heard, if you eat enough off-plan to throw you out of ketosis, most people seem to report 3-4 days on plan will get them back in it. and again, that might well depend on how much you strayed, too.

drinking extra water is helpful for getting rid of the water retention and bloat you can get that shoots the scale up, though. i don't understand why, but it does.

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Fat Baggage- Is Yours Packed?

Suz, if you have an off-plan day, try to get in some extra exercise. That will help use up the glycogen your body is trying to store in your muscles, liver and fat cells. Water, exercise, and on-plan eating will get you back into ketosis. Don't fret too much, stress is another weight-loss sabotager.

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